President Donald Trump on Sunday night defended his “unwavering support” for historically black colleges two days after his statement questioning the constitutionality of a federal financing program for them provoked a backlash of criticism.

The statement, which raised questions about whether Trump would implement the 25-year-old program, puzzled advocates of historically black colleges. Reps. John Conyers (D-Mich.), ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, and Cedric Richmond (D-La.), chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, called the statement "stunningly careless and divisive."

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Such statements are often used to flag provisions an administration might disregard.

But on Sunday, in a second statement, Trump said the signing statement “sets forth my intention to spend the funds it appropriates, including the funds for historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), consistently with my responsibilities under the Constitution. It does not affect my unwavering support for HBCUs and their critical educational missions.”

Trump touted an executive order on historically black colleges and universities that he signed in February. He also said that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’ planned commencement address at Bethune-Cookman University, an historically black institution in Florida, demonstrated his administration’s “dedication to these great institutions of higher learning.”

DeVos issued her own statement on Sunday night, saying she is “a strong supporter of historically black colleges and universities and the critical role they play in communities and in our higher education system.”

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"I am happy to see the president reaffirmed this administration’s support for HBCUs,” DeVos said. “I will continue to be an advocate for them and for programs that make higher education more accessible to all students.”

Earlier this year, DeVos said sparked controversy when she issued a statement calling historically black colleges – which were founded during an era of racial segregation -- “pioneers” of “school choice” policies.